Small hands are pressing a tool down on a slab of clay

About Family Pottery: Tulip Vases (CSC163)

Explore the world of clay together and learn how to make hand-built pottery tulip vases for Spring.

What will you learn on this course?

During this one-day course, as a family you will learn how to make hand-built pottery structures while developing an interest in clay. Develop your creativity together as you spend a day playing with clay in one of MAC’s fully equipped ceramics studios.

This is the perfect environment to encourage your family’s creativity. The tutor will focus on the hand-building techniques of coiling to create your vase. You’ll learn how to add decoration by experimenting with a variety of glaze techniques. All of this will enable you and your family to create a beautiful ceramic tulip vase inspired by Delftware. Traditionally these Dutch vases have a single hole for each flower stem and are decorated in blues and whites.

By the end of this course, you will have learned how to use of the equipment in the ceramic studio safely and correctly. You will have learned a range of techniques and made a high-quality ceramic piece which can stand proudly in your home for years to come.

Please note that your finished vase will need time to dry out and be fired twice in MAC’s kilns. Your work will be ready for collection 4 weeks after the date of your workshop. We will contact you when the work is ready. When you arrive at MAC please ask for an Art Studio Technician or a Duty Manager who will be happy to help you retrieve your piece from our secure pottery cages.

By the nature of ceramics there is always a risk of technical failure, cracks or explosions for which we cannot be held responsible.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for children aged 6 to 11 years accompanied by their parents or guardians who are looking for an opportunity to enjoy learning together. It is open to all levels. Those with little or no experience of pottery will be shown demonstrations for the various techniques used, and those with previous experience will be able to self-direct their work with guidance from the tutor.

The course is accessible for people of all abilities. Parents and guardians work with their children and all classes are planned to meet the specific needs of the group. You do need dexterity in your hands to work with clay. The room is wheelchair accessible.

Age ranges are set carefully to consider key age developments, materials being used, and course stimulus. It is very important that age ranges are not too large or across key stages and therefore need to be adhered to.

Do you need to bring anything?

You don’t need to bring anything. All materials and equipment is provided.

There is a one-hour break for lunch, not provided.

Are there any additional costs?

The course price includes all materials and firing of your work.

The course price covers one adult and one child. There is a charge for each additional person (child or adult). At least one adult must be present for every three children.

Who teaches this course?

Andrea Clarke

Dates and times

  • April